Aircraft Stability and Control
Week Content
1 Introduction
- Aircraft and stability terminology (static vs. dynamic stability, centre of pressure, aerodynamic centre, mean aerodynamic chord, camber)
2-6 Static Stability
- Longitudinal stability (pitch stiffness [fuselage and propulsive effects], neutral point [stick fixed], aircraft trim [elevator angle])
- Neutral point [stick free] manoeuvres (pull-up, hinge moment, manoeuvre point [stick fixed and free], elevator angle per g, stick force per g)
- Roll [aileron effectiveness, roll damping], lateral Stability (weathercock stability, yaw and roll coupling [effects of dihedral, sweep, wing position], rudder power, aileron adverse yaw)
6 Mid-Term (Thursday, Feb. 12)
7 Reading Week (Feb. 16-20)
8-9 Dynamic Stability
- Introduction to aircraft dynamics (pure rolling motion), general equations of motion (Euler angles, rotation matrix, six degrees of freedom equations), small disturbance theory (linearized equations of motion, stability axes, stability derivatives)
10-12 Dynamic Solutions
- Eigenvalues/eigenvectors [dimensional stability derivatives], flying qualities (natural frequency and damping ratio), transfer functions for longitudinal motion (Phugoid and short period oscillations)
13 Aircraft Control
- Stability augmentation system, PID control, lateral modes (spiral convergence, Dutch roll, roll), autopilot (wing leveler)
1 Introduction
- Aircraft and stability terminology (static vs. dynamic stability, centre of pressure, aerodynamic centre, mean aerodynamic chord, camber)
2-6 Static Stability
- Longitudinal stability (pitch stiffness [fuselage and propulsive effects], neutral point [stick fixed], aircraft trim [elevator angle])
- Neutral point [stick free] manoeuvres (pull-up, hinge moment, manoeuvre point [stick fixed and free], elevator angle per g, stick force per g)
- Roll [aileron effectiveness, roll damping], lateral Stability (weathercock stability, yaw and roll coupling [effects of dihedral, sweep, wing position], rudder power, aileron adverse yaw)
6 Mid-Term (Thursday, Feb. 12)
7 Reading Week (Feb. 16-20)
8-9 Dynamic Stability
- Introduction to aircraft dynamics (pure rolling motion), general equations of motion (Euler angles, rotation matrix, six degrees of freedom equations), small disturbance theory (linearized equations of motion, stability axes, stability derivatives)
10-12 Dynamic Solutions
- Eigenvalues/eigenvectors [dimensional stability derivatives], flying qualities (natural frequency and damping ratio), transfer functions for longitudinal motion (Phugoid and short period oscillations)
13 Aircraft Control
- Stability augmentation system, PID control, lateral modes (spiral convergence, Dutch roll, roll), autopilot (wing leveler)
